Assemble Bag Front and Back

1. Referring to Diagram 1, sew together two different blue print 6-1/2x17-1/2" rectangles and a blue print 8-1/2x17-1/2" rectangle to make a pieced 17-1/2x20-1/2" rectangle. Press seams toward outer edges. Repeat to make a second pieced rectangle.

Assemble Pockets

1. Turn under 1/4" on top and bottom edges of blue floral 8" squares; press. Turn them under again 1/4" and press. Sew through all layers a scant 1/4" from second folded edge to hem upper and lower edges and make two pocket pieces.

2. Referring to Diagram 4, center a pocket piece on each end of bag unit, 8-1/2" from bottom seam. Baste side edges of pocket piece. Sew pocket bottom through all layers 1/4" from folded edge.

Add Straps

3. With right side inside, fold one long edge of blue print strip over 1". Align a 1x63-1/2" interfacing strip atop folded section. Sew across short ends, securing interfacing (Diagram 5).

4. Trim excess interfacing from seam allowance and turn right side out. Turn remaining long edge of blue print strip under 1/4" (Diagram 6). Press folded long edge in place over layered side of strip. Topstitch along folded long edge to make a strap. The strap should be 1x63".

7. Beginning at bottom seam of bag unit, topstitch along one strap edge to point where bag unit’s blue print No. 4 and blue floral meet (Diagram 7). Sew across strap at that seam and topstitch along strap’s opposite edge back to bag unit seam; backstitch. Repeat with other end of same strap.

Assemble Bag Body

2. To shape a flat bottom for bag, at one corner match bottom seam line to side seam line, creating a flattened triangle (Diagram 9). Measure and mark on seam allowance 2-1/2" from point of triangle. Draw a 5"-long line across triangle, and sew on drawn line. Trim excess fabric. Repeat at remaining bottom corner to make bag body. Turn bag body right side out.